THE Zurich Premiership kicks off this weekend with the tie of the round taking place at Edgeley Park on Sunday where Sale Sharks entertain Leicester Tigers in front of the Sky television cameras.

And after scoring three tries during the recent pre-season games against Glasgow Rugby, Chris Mayor is hoping to be in the starting line-up.

"It will probably be at the latter end of this week when Philippe Saint-Andre names his squad," said Mayor.

"Obviously he has his 22 in mind and of course I hope I'm one of them, but it would be nice to be in the first 15, especially as the game is against Leicester.

"It will be a hard game on Sunday but we've performed better with each pre-season game we've played. The backs are looking good and the forwards are playing well so if we front Leicester up there's no reason why we can't beat them."

Having waited until early November for their first Zurich Premiership home win last season - after failing to beat Northampton, Bath, Wasps and London Irish - Sale Sharks are determined to take maximum points from their home games as often as possible during the new campaign.

"As a squad we're feeling quite confident at the moment and we've set ourselves a few goals during the summer as well. Like not losing at home, Edgeley Park really has to become a fortress, we also want to win a greater percentage of away games as well," added Mayor.

"My personal target for this season is to establish myself in the first team. I got a good run last year due to injuries which isn't nice for the injured players but you just look to do your best when you're called up and that's what I try and do all the time.

"It was nice to sneak over for the two tries in Glasgow and nice to sneak over again with my first touch on Friday night, but tries are only part of your game you have to work on your all round performance as well. I'm trying to develop my self as a player, get a consistency to my performances while working hard on my game."

Leicester warmed up for the new season with a 31-13 victory over Cardiff Blues at Welford Road last Saturday.

"I think everybody contributed something positive to today's result although some players were in more influential positions on the field than others," said Leicester head coach John Wells, "but generally I thought it was a pretty good team effort."

Sale Sharks will be looking to improve on their poor Premiership form against Leicester, having only recorded three wins in 15 league meetings and will be weary of the threat posed on Sunday of former All Black centre Daryl Gibson who started more games for the Tigers last season than any other player.

"Part of my focus this season is to help other number 12s develop at the club," he said. "We've got real midfield talent here and I have faith in whoever is earmarked to provide cover at 12."